Moving the TS into the 21st century: video

[Katinka Hesselink]

On theosophy forward there was recently an article about what we should do to move the TS into the 21st century.

I don't think many of those suggestions are very realistic.

What I wonder is: why aren't the videos made of theosophical lectures at the TSA made publicly available at youtube? Right now, among the many videos mentioning theosophy, I could find only one that was actually made by a theosophical organisation. And one other one that features a prominent current teacher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu5BP5hUfWw

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ1kQP2WAq8

Why doesn't someone interview the main theosophical teachers and put the videos on youtube? I mean: Michael Gomes, Radha Burnier, Joy Mills, John Algeo, Glenn Mullin or any of these people?

And since the TSA is already recording the lectures held at Wheaton, why aren't those available on youtube - or only some choice tidbits from them? That's online marketing people...

Well perhaps I got a bit carried away - but the main point stands. It's 2009 and the technological basics are in place to do this - why isn't it done? Why are we letting the Alice Bailey people tell our history on youtube?

[Janeth]

►"..Asking for help can be difficult. I know that is true for me personally, and I suppose it can be true of organizations, too."<---I don't understand...

Why is it difficult?

Is it because we are shy? Or is it because of 'false' pride? Lack of humility, perhaps?

One thing one may want to keep in mind at all times, though, make sure the people you (anyone) grant the privilege of volunteering know, and are clear/crystal, that he/she is not entitled to any special treatment, and he/she will not be granted any extra privileges other than those being granted to any TSA member already! This is a must!!

It would be in the best interests of TSA to create a succinct, yet plain and clear document to this regard and have it signed by any and all volunteers, regardless of who he/she/they might be.

BTW: Are all volunteers at Olcott TSA members?

Is the above a requirement to be accepted as a volunteer?

Any TS member, from anywhere in the world, after diligent evaluation and consideration as to the motives he/she/they might have for wanting to be accepted as volunteers, can apply to be accepted as a volunteer at TSA, and should pay for his/her own travel and lodging expenses, right?

Also, it is expected that he/she who applies to be accepted and is granted the privilege to be a volunteer at TSA must be fluent in English, correct?

[Dan Noga]

"Why is it difficult?

Is it because we are shy? Or is it because of 'false' pride? Lack of humility, perhaps?"

In my case, it has more to do with not feeling as though I am entitled to receive help. I feel like I am being selfish if I ask for help. I would rather give help than receive it. I have the same difficulty in accepting compliments.

"BTW: Are all volunteers at Olcott TSA members?

Is the above a requirement to be accepted as a volunteer?"

It depends--if the person in question wishes to live on the Olcott campus, then TS membership is one of the requirements. Most of our volunteers, however, are local people who do not need to live on the grounds in order to volunteer. Not all of our local volunteers are members.


Also, it is expected that he/she who applies to be accepted and is granted the privilege to be a volunteer at TSA must be fluent in English, correct?

Fluency in English is almost a "must," since the majority of our staff and visitors speak English as their primary language and many volunteer tasks require interaction with staff, visitors or both. However, we have several staff members who also speak Spanish--if a person who only speaks Spanish happens to approach us and offer to volunteer, I am not sure we would turn them away, as long as:

a) we have someone here who can communicate with them, and
b) the task doesn't require communicating with someone in English

That would be kind of a unique situation, but basically, we're as flexible as we can be when someone comes to us, willing to offer their time and energy.

As for special privileges, we don't treat volunteers differently from anyone else, or hold them above others. However, as a "thank-you," we do invite anybody who volunteers on a given day to have lunch along with the staff, free of charge. :)

[Ann E. Bermingham]

I understand your problem more than most. In my late 50's, I put up a web site about my church and for the most part, did it all myself. It's not only about young whippersnappers but someone with the computer knowledge and the time to do all the detailed work. One is most likely to to find a volunteer with computer savy and the required time among students, the unemployed and retirees.

[Adyarman]

The gentleman taking the interview from Radha Burnier in the second video has been expelled from the TS. So there's one explanation why the TS may not survive the 21 century ....
I repeat the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ1kQP2WAq8

[christinaleestemaker]

Clear as Radha said, in human the two wings are constantly in war.

[Nabil Naser]

To move Theosophy into the future, one must ignore its past.

It is not about individuals. If we concentrate on the basics, we have a chance.

[Adyarman]

You mean doctrinal basics?

[Nabil Naser]

When I suggested that we need to ignore the past and individuals, it was a call to unify the 3 main principles of Theosophy.
We can do that if we stop giving too much credit to one doctrine over another.
It is true that my concentration is on the scientific aspects of Theosophy. I feel that if it can be proven that all religions are connected somehow in a scientific form, then the rest will fall into place.

[Katinka Hesselink]

I'm closing this discussion. I feel that we're blowing off course here several new threads could be started about: how do we deal with volunteers (make sure they know what jobs to do, feel appreciated and supported etc.) as well as 'the main work of the TS'.